as in improvement
an instance of notable progress in the development of knowledge, technology, or skill
Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin was one of medicine's great breakthroughs, for penicillin became the first antibiotic to successfully combat bacterial infections in humans
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Recent Examples of breakthrough
Leung, in a rare foray into European cinema, is a serene elder statesman, tempering his character’s intense drive—his excitement in the face of a potential scientific breakthrough—with a gently imploring decency and restraint.
—
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
Bottom line Expect fanfare, expect deliverables on the margins -- purchase commitments or a possible Board of Trade announcement -- and don't expect breakthroughs on the hard issues, experts say.
—Selina Wang, ABC News, 8 May 2026
After decades with few signs of outward progress, authorities had their first public breakthrough in 2020.
—Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
The case has had a few breakthroughs, and some dead ends.
—Sarah Lapidus, USA Today, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
Bottom line Expect fanfare, expect deliverables on the margins -- purchase commitments or a possible Board of Trade announcement -- and don't expect breakthroughs on the hard issues, experts say.
—Selina Wang, ABC News, 8 May 2026
After decades with few signs of outward progress, authorities had their first public breakthrough in 2020.
—Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
The case has had a few breakthroughs, and some dead ends.
—Sarah Lapidus, USA Today, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for breakthrough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breakthrough
Noun
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District 204 is currently undergoing a major district-wide facilities overhaul, after voters in 2024 approved a proposal from the district to sell up to $420 million in bonds to pay for facility improvements.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
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To Nurse, the most noticeable improvement has been Anunoby’s shooting.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2026
Noun
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Advertisement Start preparing days in advance A few days before your procedure, switch to what’s called a low-residue diet—one free of high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, and raw vegetables—which will help minimize the amount of undigested food that lingers in your colon.—
Holly Burns,
Time,
6 May 2026
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Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey also will be one of the summer’s top-grossing titles, with the pic’s sellout of Imax 70MM locations a year in advance a big indicator of want-to-see.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
Noun
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Make a mental note of your advancement.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
10 May 2026
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Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Breakthrough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breakthrough. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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